Cover by Keith Giffen and Mike DeCarlo

Title: “The Omega Men!”
Synopsis: The Omega Men lead a rebel takeover of the planet Slagg, then move on to Broot’s home world, Changralyn.

Writer: Roger Slifer
Penciler: Keith Giffen
Inker: Mike DeCarlo

Review: Grim and violent, The Omega Men was ahead of its time, and that might not be a good thing. Free of Comics Code restrictions, this early direct-market-only effort goes for edgy, but feels gratuitous instead. Roger Slifer’s overall narrative is okay, but his characterization is weak and the dialogue is quite clunky. Keith Giffen’s art is similar to his early Legion work, which is perfect for this series’ sci-fi setting. But, like the story, the art here is mired by unnecessary gore. Omega Men has potential, but needs to settle down and stop mistaking excessive violence as sophistication.

Grade: B

Cool factor: Keith Giffen’s art. His early work was perfect for sci-fi.
Not-so-Cool factor: Tigorr? Harpis? Demonia? Come on, let’s try a little with the character naming!

Character quotable: “I just spotted a rutting mate that’ll get me through the night!” — Tigorr, keeping it classy.

A word from the Writer: “It is my goal to make all of these characters unique as individuals.” — Roger Slifer, in “The Art of Creation, the Creation of Art,” an introductory essay in this issue.

Copyright ©2015 Off the Wahl Productions, all rights reserved. Each week, T. Andrew Wahl takes a look at a Bronze Age Fantastic First.